December 27, 2015 by Darlene

My Busy Stay-cation: Parties, Running, Movies…

This is my fourth day of my vastaycation. And until today the weather has been great.

Here’s how things have gone so far…

Day 1:

I ran 5 miles on the paved rail trail…

cloudy…but so warm that

…I wore a skirt and a tank. Yes on Dec 24!!

festive outfit?

That afternoon, the hubby & I went to see Star Wars and then out to dinner afterwards for a quiet Christmas Eve.

Day 2:

After opening gifts, I went to visit my mentee, Amanda. I love spoiling her kids for Christmas

Richard is 9

Matthew is 4

my “pseudo” family

Later, I visited a friend and then went to see The Danish Girl with my running friend Judy. (That’s what Jews do on Christmas LOL)

In the evening, my hubby & I went to have Christmas dinner at my mother-in-law’s with my 2 stepsons, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law and her hubby. Lasagna, meatballs, sausage, the whole nine yards… so stuffed!!!!

After dinner, we went to my BFF’s to visit and see her daughter who was home from CA.

Day 3:

I needed to run off all that food. It wasn’t as warm as Christmas Eve but it was still warm for this time of year (high 40’s). So I ran 2 miles on the Nisky Bike Path

…and then ran 6 more miles with Judy.

It was a really nice run and I enjoyed running with a friend instead of by myself.

Judy made me look fast here. Thanks!

After my run, I rushed home to go to movie #3, Joy with 3 tennis friends.

In the evening, I took Amanda out for a belated birthday celebration to Canvas, Corks & Forks.

Here you eat as much as you want of 4 types of mac n cheese, drink and also paint…

my drink = chocolate wine

in progress

our finished masterpieces

After all that mac n cheese, we still went out after for dessert!!

Day 4:

A little bit of catch up today – laundry, cooking, cleaning before going out AGAIN tonight.

My hubby also put up my Christmas present (that I picked out for myself)..

the bottom row – distances other than half marathon and some of my age group medals not all fit)

with the top row of half marathon medals – I left room on the right for the Sarasota Music Half on Feb 7, 2016!)

I love the medal rack…but if I designed I would have had the back row fall lower so those medals wouldn’t be hidden.

As you can see I am already out of space. (What do you avid racers do with all your medals??)

Tonight is my annual tennis party – games, gift giving and lots more food.

photo from last year

It is rainy and nasty today but I plan to do some running tomorrow!!! I know I can’t run off all those extra calories but I can try…

So far, I haven’t had a chance to relax…

Happy Running! Anyone else busier when they are off from work than when they work?

December 25, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Christmas Gifts

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is FREE so I am choosing – My FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

I got this card in the mail 5 years ago from a blogger and I am re-posting:

This about sums it up for me. What about you?

2. I got these SkirtSports pants and capris (and I’ve already worn them)

both are from SkirtSports

3. I got a hanger for my race medals (and as with most of my gifts, I ordered them myself so of course, I love them.)

It looked like this on the website. I’ll post a pic when I actually put mine up.

4. Movie Tickets. I love going to the movies especially when I am on break.

this one is on my “to see” list – already saw Suffragette, Star Wars & Brooklyn

5. Time off from work.

This is the best gift – 11 days off – Woo Hoo! – Running at any time of day!!!!

70 degrees on my first day off – the warm temps won’t last

Last year, we ran together during my break. I work and Judy does not so it makes it hard to schedule runs together

Happy Running! What was your favorite gift this year?

December 24, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Holidays, New Running Routes & BitMoji

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Tonight is Christmas Eve even though weather-wise it feels like spring.

I plan to squeeze in a run today between the rain drops. Tonight we’ll probably spend a quiet evening home (I’m Jewish & my hubby doesn’t care much for the holidays) or maybe I can talk him into dinner out and a movie.

Tomorrow morning, my hubby will open his gifts (I bought my own so no excitement there) and then head to play Santa with my mentee & her sons (I can’t wait to have GRANDKIDS!!)

2014

2013

2012

I’ve been mentoring Amanda for 7 1/2 years but I won’t bore you with ALL my annual Christmas Photos.

After playing Santa, my hubby & I will go to my MIL’s house for dinner. My SIL, BILs and 2 stepsons will be there also. It’ll be an Italian dinner with lasagna and the trimmings (probably cannoli for dessert – maybe I should squeeze in a run in the morning??)

After dinner, I plan to visit my BFF whose daughter is visiting from CA.

I usually participate in a blogger card exchange but this year, I forgot to sign up. So here you go, fellow running bloggers:

Speaking of running, I don’t know about you but I get tired of running along the same streets or same paths.

To get me motivated (especially when the weather isn’t perfect), I need a new route.

Last year, I ran a lot on the unpaved rail trail near where I live.

20110602-RailTrail-Sign

It is unpaved for almost 2 miles so it’s good for an after work 4 miler.

Then this year, they paved the rest of the rail trail going 3.5 miles in the opposite direction.

It is my new favorite place to run and I’ve run on it several times but on Sunday, I was ready for something new.

So I parked my car near where the unpaved trail ended and ran the rest of the unpaved trail.

It is a little narrow in parts.

But has interesting features

and views.

Several bridges (I love bridges.)

At 3.5 miles, I turned around. I think it was the end. I will explore more next time.

I have a new obsession – BitMoji!

Anyone else?

I used this one last Friday.

It’s still a work in progress. I’m not sure it even looks like me. But it’s a fun stress reliever.

Happy Running! What are your holiday plans? Do you vary your running routes often?

December 23, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word, Gift Exchanges & Giveaway Winner

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is JOY.

I am healthy enough to do the things I want.

run 13.1 miles!

play tennis

I have a lot of friends whom I care about and who support me.

some of my tennis friends

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BFF for over 40 years

teaching friend for over 30 years

I am married to a guy whom I love.

My kitties are awesome.

this is my oldest, most lovable & fave – Jerry

I have a job so I can pay my bills (& support my running habit LOL)

my desk at work – I work in IT at a law school and support the faculty, students & staff

However, none of what brings JOY are possessions or things that you can buy (except for a PR or new running shoes. Only kidding!)

and most importantly…

I try to and I hope that I do give joy to others:

spending time with my mentee Amanda and her sons

helping Kelly run her first 5K (STEM program)

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being a running buddy for the GOTR program

running for my 11 year old running buddy JA (from the IRUN4 program) – I send him my race shirts and medals

Speaking of giving JOY to others, I love giving gifts. I don’t have a big family and we’ve stopped exchanging gifts among friends so I try to participate in a few gift exchanges.

I did a Chinese grab bag at work and I ‘m doing one with all my tennis friends.

I got this at work – the tennis party isn’t until 12/27

I also participated in two blogger Secret Santas.

It was so cool to meet someone new (that is through a new blog) and receive great gifts.

From Brittney @ Corral B, I got:

my favorite socks & my favorite race fuel

I bought gifts for Nikki @ Will Run for Pizza but I forgot to take a pic (but they were similar to Kate’s but without the stocking and ShotBloks instead of Stinger waffles

For the SkirtSports Ambassador Captain Stocking Exchange, I got paired with Kate @ My Alpine Adventures:

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this is what I bought for Kate

And I received these gifts from Helen @H-Monkey Runs:

Now I have 4 new blogger friends 🙂

Finally, congrats to my MealEnders Giveaway winner!

Lindsey McRoberts!!

Happy Running! What brings you JOY? Do you do gift exchanges?

December 22, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Highlights of the Year

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Highlights of your Running Year

Here are a few of mine:

Racing in NYC

This was on my bucket list for years and I finally got to do it.

I ran the Dash to the Finish 5k and crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. I loved this race!!

PRing in a Half Marathon

This was totally unexpected but it turned out to be such a perfect race…great weather, scenic course….

As a bonus, I came in first in my age group.

Meeting Frank Shorter

I met him at bib pick up for the Stockadeathon 15K.

And he signed my bib for luck.

15K PR

Frank Shorter did bring me luck.

A 2 minute PR at the Stockadeathon in November.

Other PRs

I had 4 mile PR at the Runnin’ of the Green in March.

and a 5 mile PR at the Delmar Dash, also in March.

It’s always exciting at my age to have a fast race.

Running a Trail in Palm Desert, CA.

I never expected to enjoy it so much. My friend, Mary (who lives there) & I did it twice.

I hope to be able to visit her again someday.

Running Over the Walkway Bridge

This was part of an inaugural half marathon in Poughkeepsie, NY. The bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

I even won an age group award, though my finish time wasn’t exceptional.

Running the VCM Relay with AJH

This is another race that I’ve wanted to do but I don’t run marathons. I was excited when AJH applied and we got into the lottery for the relay.

we met Deena Kastor at the expo

The course is great and it is much more enjoyable to do a race with a friend.

Taking a Running Tour of Denver, CO

I was at a conference and had some free time, so why not?

It was so much fun. I can’t wait to do another one.

Mentoring Other Runners

I was a Running Buddy in the Girls on the Run program in the spring.

And for the second time this fall, I participated in the STEM program.

I was paired with a 5th grader in the first one and in the 2nd, a 29 year-old unwed mom who was a victim of domestic violence. It was so rewarding to share my love of running with someone else and hopefully positively influence them.

Being part of a Running Group

Although I’ve run the Freihofer’s Run For Women every year since 2008, this was my first year participating in their Training Challenge.

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one of the group runs where we ran with the mayor

For the 2nd year in a row, I joined the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge.

I can’t say for a fact that it improved my running but running with a group is certainly more fun and I’ve met a lot of great people through these 2 groups.

I could go on and on. I had a great running year.

Any year where you can run for 12 months (38 races) with NO INJURIES is a great year.

Happy Running! What was the highlight of your running year?

December 21, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Ran 3 miles after work and went out to dinner with a co-worker. (We have been planning this for ages.)

just 3 miles this time

Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – A quick run followed by a yoga class which I thoroughly enjoyed and must do it more often.

Thursday – It was raining so I had to resort the dreaded treadmill and then I drove to pick up my race packet.

4 torturous miles. Thank God for a new episode of Nashville

Friday – Just a work day and then mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Spend Saturday at home for the first time in weeks. Ran a fun but COLD 5k in the evening. (Recap here) Went out to dinner after the race with friends.

not a fast one but a fun one

Sunday – Cooked (yes, me!), did errands and ran 7 miles on the rail trail (because I didn’t get my long run in yesterday.) Then went to dinner and a movie to celebrate my BFF’s birthday.

great film

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 3 miles, shopping
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before or during work, hair appt after
Thursday – OFF, 4 miles
Friday – OFF, holiday dinner, movie
Saturday – 8 miles, celebrate my mentee’s b-day
Sunday – tennis holiday party

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

December 20, 2015 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Race Report

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1700). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

Last year, I ran this race in the rain. The year before in a blizzard. I was hoping for better weather this year.

I picked up my bib & shirt on Thursday to save time.

Then I pondered what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. The coldest it’s been in a while and very windy – 30’s but 20s with the wind chill.

I decided to park at work and walk the mile or so to the race. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

MP, her SIL, Judy & me (the crazy lady who dresses up for these races)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

It was so windy and cold that MP & I hung out with our backs against a wall to block the wind.

I even bumped into a former student of mine

Then all of a sudden the firework began. We were accidentally very close. And they were great!! To Star Wars music, no less.

We even got our photo taken by the newspaper photographer.

courtesy of the TU

Soon it was time to head to the start. I lost MP but found my (super fast) turkey trot group friends. I would have preferred to be closer to the start but hung out with them instead.

Unfortunately I made 2 wardrobe fails for this race. I chose to wear old shoes (because they were green, why else?) and they had my orthotics in them. I stopped wearing those orthotics after I broke my ankle because they were now SO uncomfortable. Yes, they killed the arch of my foot (the whole race).

Second, it was windy and cold but the wind died down and I was soooo HOT. I had a half zip, a shirt (cotton – my bad) and a vest – too many layers and my half zip felt so tight!! Yes, I was uncomfortable…

Back to the course:

courtesy of the Times Unon

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first especially since I didn’t start right in front.

My legs felt really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.)

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

I felt better once we entered the park and it was fun looking at all the lights. There were at least two hills that I remember in the park and I was proud of myself for not walking at all. I ran up them..slow but at least I ran.

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally we left the park and ran downhill to the finish. I wanted to finish fast but was still hesitant to run at top speed …in the dark. I heard a friend yell: “Darlene, finish strong!!” That made me pick up the pace.

It was dark so I couldn’t see my Garmin but I knew by the timing clocks that this wouldn’t be a PR nor would it be as fast as last year.

I barely finished under 30 minutes. According to my Garmin, it was 29:46 but officially I finished at 29:54.

I went inside to check the results and wait for MP and her SIL, Shannon.

Shannon is so fast & finished 22:xx and MP is a social runner – she took videos while she ran and even got a picture with Santa.

Last year, I was 3rd in my AG. This year, 6th. (Even I had a great race, I wouldn’t have placed. Darn those fast old women!)

lastrun5k15

Splits:

mile 1- 9:51
mile 2 – 9:50
mile 3 – 9:17
.15 – 7:42

Very usual for me to have negative splits.

So not an amazing finish time but such a fun race. Sometimes, you just have to “finish fun” if you can’t “finish fast.”

After the race, we continued our fun by going out for a bite to eat and for some drinks.

So my year of racing has come to an end. 38 races!!

Looking forward to 2016.

__________________

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race?

December 19, 2015 by Darlene

My Year in Racing: 2015

I’m linking up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races I ran this year. Since I ran 38 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved the views of the Hudson River while running across the bridge during the Walkway Half Marathon.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

It was also awesome to run with views of the ocean during the beginning and end of the West Palm Half Marathon.

Most Challenging Course –

I didn’t run any super hard races but I guess since it had hills, I’d say the most challenging was Vermont City Marathon Relay.

– from Burlington Free Press

There were quite a few hills in the Stockade-athon 15K too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Another popular local race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Lots of support here too.

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon hands down had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

it was so cool to meet Deena Kastor.

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

I bought this awesome sweatshirt on sale

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a zippered tote bag, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved the bridge award from the Walkway Half Marathon.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this hat at the Polar Cap Race was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

The Asbury Park Half Marathon also had amazing food.

potato, macaroni & pasta salads and more…

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the one from the Bacon Hill Bonanza. It doesn’t have sponsors on the back and it is very light and comfy. I have even worn it several times even to play tennis.

I also like the long sleeve tech shirt from the Great Pumpkin Challenge – love its bright yellow color.

And the shirt from the Walkway Half Marathon is also very light and comfy plus it is made from all natural materials.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year. I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

So I would have to say the Asbury Park Half Marathon because of how painful my feet were the whole race

and the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon due to the heat and humidity that I was not acclimated to.

(Maybe I should wear different colors LOL)

_____________

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2015?

December 18, 2015 by Darlene

Are You an Overeater or a Dessert Craver? The Cure: MealEnders (Review & Giveaway)

I am one of those people who needs (or thinks she needs) to eat something sweet at the end of every meal.

I don’t usually buy cakes and cookies to have at home (because my hubby would eat them all & I would have none) but in a restaurant, it’s a different story. I have to order dessert (& I am grateful when someone offers to share one.)

So I was excited when I was offered samples of MealEnders.

How do they work?

The goal of MealEnders is to help curb the cravings keeping in mind that the desire to eat is part physical and part mental. It is based on the idea that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell your stomach that you are full. MealEnders were designed to last in order for your stomach to catch up to your brain.

The image below explains it..

What’s in them?

MealEnders contain only 2 grams of sugar, 0g fat, and 15 calories per piece. The outer Reward Layer is made from premium dessert ingredients. The inner Active-Taste layer relies upon a proprietary blend of natural and artificial food flavors called Actissert™ Blend.

Do they work?

I would say “Yes.”

I know that my dessert cravings are mind over matter. I’m not really hungry and I don’t really NEED to eat something sweet. I just want to.

So if I pop a MealEnder instead of ordering dessert, the simple the act of sucking on this little candy does help. I was able to refuse dessert!!

What do they taste like?

Some taste better than others. I like the Mocha and the Chocolate mint the best. Each hard candy is covered with a soft coating which is the best part. The more you suck, the more the flavor comes out.

Tingling?

Yes but not in a bad way. MealEnders calls this tingling the “active taste layer.”

Where can I get them?

You can only buy them through the MealEnders website. A 25-count package costs $14.95. Sounds pricey but then again, you don’t eat them like candy. You would only eat them when you need to.

The bottom line…

If you are an overeater or someone who HAS to have dessert, why not give MealEnders a try!

And if you are lucky, you may win (4) 25-piece packs so you can try all flavors, including Cinnamon, Mocha, Chocolate Mint and Citrus ($50 value).

Click the link below to enter this giveaway:

Rafflecopter Giveaway

And if you don’t win, use the code FitHolidays20 for a 20% discount from MealEnders.com.

Happy Running? Have you tried MealEnders or any other similar product?

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Giveaway is for U.S. only. One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from MealEnders through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner.

*Disclaimer: I received samples of MealEnders as part of me being a Sweat Pink ambassador through their FitApproach campaign in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my very own.

December 18, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Winter Actvities & Runfessions December

This week, the theme is Favorite Winter Activities:

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running – I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out the door. I hate the treadmills so unless it’s impossible, I run outside.

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week. I have a contract on Tuesdays at 6-7:30 pm. The women I play with are wonderful and we always go out to dinner afterwards.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks and hats. I find it very relaxing especially in the evening by the fire. And you can multi-task – knit, chat & watch TV.

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups, stews, quiches & chili. Since during the week, I work and am busy every evening, I do my cooking for the week on Saturday or Sunday (my non- long run day.)

5. Reading – I’ve always loved to read. I read every night before I go to sleep. I still go the library and take out real books. When I am traveling, I’ll read on my iPad.

Loved these!!! any recommendations?

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

My hubby hates to shop and besides he is an awful gift giver. He always buys me jewelry that I don’t need or like. I used to keep it but now I just return it and pick out something else.

I, on the other hand, love to pick out gifts and always seem to know how to buy the perfect gifts.

So this year, I bought my own gifts – a wall hanger for my medals (my DIY one broke), new bands for my Fitbit and some more SkirtSports items. I think I may even wrap them and open them on Christmas morning.

don’t you love this one?

If I write that I got the best gifts ever, you’ll know why.

I runfess…

I am trying get over that pitiful performance on my last half marathon (but it’s hard when friends are still asking you how it went) by thinking ahead to the next one.

On February 7, I will try to redeem myself – that is if it is not warm , windy and humid in Florida. But I plan to have a better attitude about the whole thing and just enjoy running it. I know the course is awesome and I can’t wait to spend 6 days in Florida with friends (while it is freezing here).

relaxing in the sun at Boca Grande beach

March 2013 in Sarasota. looking for sunshine this trip.

But I am still mulling over what I could have done differently so I don’t have a repeat performance. Is this normal? How long does it take to forget a race?

I runfess…

I am disappointed that for the 2nd year in a row I didn’t get into the lottery for the NYC Half Marathon. I really wanted to run that race. If only I were faster, (I think 2:05 finish time), I could automatically get in.

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Any suggestions for a late March, early April half marathon???

The other spring halfs that I was considering are Brooklyn Half Marathon and the Steel Rail Half Marathon. I don’t have the time or money to fly all over the place (& my hubby wouldn’t go) so I like to pick ones that are nearby. They are both May 21, 2016.

Normally that would be doable and fall right after my tennis vacation in Naples. But this year, exams where I work don’t end until May 15 so my tennis vacation will be later and I will be away during those races.

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love running but love these ladies more

Only for a second (sorry tennis ladies), I thought about bailing. But I love my friends and now, my hopes lie with the VCM Relay. I hope AJH is lucky again this year.